Pamela Love's Places of Inspiration: Mexico

All month long, jewelry designer Pamela Love will be penning a guest column for the BAZAAR Report about destinations that inspire her. Look for her posts every Monday in April.

Mexican jewelry has always been really inspiring to me because of its motifs and designs, and the history that surrounds the silver industry in that region. The Aztecs were taught by the Spanish to really utilize their resources, but unfortunately, during the revolution, the mining industry in Mexico was shut down and wasn't brought back to life until the 1920's. William Spratling (he was amazing, I love him!), an American architect, moved to Taxco, Mexico, the silver capital of the world, and hired silversmiths to create the primitive and unique styles that were really inspired by the Aztec people. Spratling's efforts revived and helped to grow the Mexican jewelry industry to what it is now.

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Mexican jewelry has always had a strong connection with heavy silver pieces, typically set with stones in a unique Aztec motif. I love the distinct detailing on the silver cross pendants. The Aztec people were very skilled workers in metal, especially gold and silver. Most pieces would be made into shield-like breastplates for protection, like this gold pendant and these amazing silver collar-style necklaces.